Children and young people have been participating in the UNFCCC intergovernmental process going back to COP 5
in Bonn. Starting in COP 11/CMP 1, youth have also organized preparatory meetings called "Conferences of
Youth," which help build their capacity to participate in the UNFCCC negotiation process.

Prior to COP 15/CMP 5, the secretariat granted a provisional constituency status to admitted youth
non-governmental organizations (YOUNGO). The constituency status provided a conduit for the exchange of
official information between young people and the secretariat; assisted the secretariat in ensuring an
effective participation by youth appropriate to an intergovernmental meeting; coordinated young people's
interaction at sessions including convening constituency meetings, organizing meetings with officials,
providing names for the speakers list and representation at official functions; and provided logistical
support to youth during sessions.

On practical terms, YOUNGO is given the opportunity to address the plenary, High Level Segment of a COP/CMP,
make submissions (individual youth organizations also), attend workshops, meet with officials of the
Convention such as Chairs of the subsidiary bodies and the COP Presidency. They also organize Young and
Future Generation's Day during the COP/CMP organizing a series of side events, exhibits, interviews,
media stunts, etc.

For more information about YOUNGO and its current activities, please visit http://www.youthclimate.org or e-mail the YOUNGO focal
points:

Google+ Hangouts on "Youth Participation and Engagement in Climate Policy and the Sustainable
Development of Small States"

On the occasion of the International Youth Day 2014 on 12 August, the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change
Network will host two Google+ Hangouts to discuss and learn more about youth participation and engagement in
climate policy and the sustainable development of small States. A first Hangout will be held on the 9 August,
11 a.m. (UK time) for the African, European and Asian regions. The second Hangout will take place on 11
August, 3 p.m. (UK time) for the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Invited speakers and contributors to those
online events will include young leaders and representatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth
Youth Council, who will inspire and encourage young people and youth organizations in their work to address
climate change and also resilience of small states.

Integrating Mental Health into Climate Change Adaptation

The health impacts of climate change, and the importance of integrating health into adaptation planning, have
become increasingly prominent in recent years - though arguably not prominent enough. At present the evidence
base on the mental health impacts of disasters is sparse, because of the difficulties associated with
conducting rigorous research in disaster contexts, the complexities and ambiguities that surround mental
health in general, and the fact that – legitimately – research is not an immediate priority after
a major disaster. However, the evidence we do have shows that the effects can last for months to years, and
effective strategies exist to support mental health after disasters.

IHAF celebrates International Youth Day 2014

This activity organized by IHAF is to give children between the age of 8 – 16 the opportunity to learn
important facts about and to educate them as ambassadors for climate justice as members of a worldwide
network of committed children to fight climate change.

There shall be oral and practical presentations/demonstrations to educate the children on the Tree
Planting activity

Acclimatization with others and their roles as ambassadors for climate justice and as members of a
worldwide network of committed children

The children shall be subdivided into small groups; training on how to plant the trees, their
responsibilities to maintain these trees.

Google+ Hangout on "United Nations and the Year 2015 - A Window of Opportunity to Enhance Youth
Engagement in Global Challenges Action"

'‘United Nations and the Year 2015 – A Window of Opportunity to Enhance Youth Engagement in
Global Challenges Action’' with the objective to highlight the central role of multi-stakeholders
action and the leadership potentials of global youth in this respect for effective implementation of the
emerging Post-2015 Agenda. Secondly the speakers will explore with the active contribution from the audience
how the Post-2015 Development Agenda Means of Implementation could facilitate resource mobilization by and for
youth in order to enhance their engagement in action to address global challenges, including climate change
issue.

Youth Field trip - sustainable farming

With the global population exceeding 7 billion there is increased pressure on scant natural resources mainly
fertile land. At the same time, youth are faced with the daunting prospect of fewer employment opportunities,
which is resulting in large-scale migration. Sustainable agriculture that uses the principles of organic
farming, composting and soil microbiology is one important way by which one can help generate local
employment while maintaining the environmental richness of our land. With this objective in mind, a field
trip will be organized to an organic farm on International Youth Day for our members.

High-level conference by the Global Youth Innovation Network Gambia

A high level conference involving the target groups with lectures to be presented by the World Health
Organization and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Gambia through its Health Education and
Promotion Unit.

Expected outcomes
Situational analysis of the perspective of youth and women on the state of mental health (in a particular
place, Gambia or region) be collected in their involvement.
Recommendation on the role of youth be prepared and their commitment be sought and assured.

Mainstreaming Youth and Mental Patients in the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Looking at the theme “Youth and Mental Health “ we shall mobilize all young medical students, CSOs,
Stakeholders and government settings to join to carry out the following major activities

An advocacy talk will be given to enhance the participation youth on the IYD

A talk on mental health shall be given by an expert on how youth can contribute to the mitigation of the
mental health in Cameroon

We shall visit mental health care centres to make an appraisal of the problems those plaque mental health
patients and their managements.

Administer MY World 2015 ballots to mental patients and youth relating to the new development agenda

On the Road to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Summit 2014

Organizer: Youth Climate Action
Venue: Online
Date/time: 23 August

Youth Climate Action is a group of young people from across the world who feel that young people should be
given a voice at the United Nations Secretary General's Climate Summit on 23 September 2014. We are
launching a web platform that celebrates and showcases young people taking action on climate change, as well
as have youth represented at the Summit itself. Starting on 23 August, we are coordinating a month of action
leading up to the Summit to show world leaders how we are leading the way in the fight against climate
change. We want our decision-makers to be as ambitious as we are!